Bishop Evmenios of Chora visits St John’s College, Preston
His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, visited St. John’s College Preston, in order to speak with the Year 11 and Year 12 students and held a lively dialogue on the importance of Holy and Great Lent and the preparation for Holy Pascha.
At the beginning of his address, His Grace conveyed with emotion the paternal wishes and love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who always expresses his deep concern and care for the youth of the Holy Archdiocese.
“Christ must be at the centre of your life,” is His Eminence’s constant call to the youth. “Not marginally, not when it is convenient, but as a friend, as your companion and guide every day.” Bishop Evmenios emphasised that this call is not theoretical, but deeply existential and liberating; for when Christ is present in the life of the youth, then there is purpose, hope, meaning and direction.
Lent was presented as a precious opportunity for personal conversion and spiritual renewal. His Grace spoke in simple and essential words about the need for prayer, forgiveness and repentance, as well as the joy that comes from the expectation of the Resurrection.
“Your life,” he emphasised, addressing the students, “is not simply a path of success or goals, but a path of love, illuminated by the Risen Christ. The Church is not simply something that belongs to your past or your parents’, but your living present, your home.”
The students participated enthusiastically, asking questions, offering their concerns, and experiential thoughts, thus demonstrating their deep thirst for authentic discourse and a true relationship with faith.
In closing, His Grace wished that the path towards Pascha would become for everyone – and especially for the youth– a personal Resurrection, a new beginning with Christ present and alive in their hearts.
